Review Article Sustainable solutions for solid waste management: A Review

Population growth, rapid strides in urbanization and industrialization as well as inadequate expertise and infrastructures have made the management of solid waste as one of the most critical environmental issues in developing countries like India. It is estimated that more than 60 % of the waste generated in such countries have the ultimate fate to reach the dumping sites. The unscientific disposal of waste causes adverse impacts on all components of environment. The deterioration of soil and water quality due to leachates in the areas near open dumping sites has been well documented. Besides, evidences are also being accumulated to show increased concentration of various pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins in such areas. Consequently, the management of solid waste needs to be revamped in order to protect the living beings and to make certain the healthy existence of the environment for long time. The first step for sustainable solid waste management is the segregation of waste on site of generation of waste; where in, the recyclable wastes are separated from those of organic waste and other inorganic waste. In further seggregation, the organic wastes are sent for compositing and vermicompositing. Compositing is degradation of organic wastes by biological means under controlled aerobic/anaerobic conditions to form stable, odorless humus like end product whereas vermicompositing is a bio-oxidative process of decomposition of organic waste involving the combined action of earthworms viz., Amynthas morrisi, Dendrovena veneta, D. bolaui, Eisenia andrei, E. foetida etc. and other soil microorganisms. The remaining waste can either be incinerated (converted to ashes by burning at high temperatures) or sent fo